Bangladesh Seeks Enhanced Defense Cooperation With India

[Rage]

Bangladesh Seeks Enhanced Defence Cooperation With India

Nov 22, 2012


Bangladesh today sought enhanced defence cooperation with India, including boosting training facilities for its air wing as Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal NAK Browne called on the country's top political leadership and military brass here.

The IAF Chief arrived here yesterday on a four-day official visit to Bangladesh to expand bilateral defence cooperation.

During his meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman today, Browne "exchanged views and discussed matters of professional interest".

Bangladesh sought enhanced defence cooperation with India, including more exchange of training facilities with IAF.

Indian Air Chief called on President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"President Zillur Rahman laid emphasis on exchange of training facilities for the officers of Bangladesh and Indian Air Forces," the President's spokesman told PTI.

The spokesman said the president pointed out that "significant number" of officiers of Bangladesh Air Force underwent training in India since 1974 while many officials from India took part in training in Bangladesh.

Browne, the spokesman said, told the president that the exchange of training and experience-sharing between the air force officers of the two countries would continue in the future.

The IAF chief later called on Hasina who said her government always valued the friendship and cooperation with the neighbouring countries and underlined Dhaka's firm stance against terrorism.

"The Prime Minister said her government is placing emphasis on meeting the basic needs of the common people along with developing our armed forces," a PMO spokesman told reporters after the meeting at Hasina's residence.


Bangladesh Defence

 

[hit&run]

Bangladesh is having a very close look at our developing relationship with Burma. Its high time we should sought out our differences with Bangladesh (water) and assist them when they might be feeling concerned when having their own disputes with Burma. Enhanced defence cooperation is a good starter.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

Bangladesh is having a very close look at our developing relationship with Burma. Its high time we should sought out our differences with Bangladesh (water) and assist them when they might be feeling concerned when having their own disputes with Burma. Enhanced defence cooperation is a good starter.

Bangladesh is trying to sway India away from Burma,Indian military ties with
Burma have increased.

 

[parijataka]

India needs good relationship with both Myanmar and Bangladesh - one cannot be at the cost of the other.

 

[Singh]

I think its less to do with Myanmar, and more to do with Sheikh Hasina's attempt to make BD army pro-India.

Traditionally Khaleda Zia, Islamists and Army have adopted an anti-India stance to suit their narrative.

Incidentally Khaleda Zia was over in India last month. Possibly to signal that if she comes to power (which is highly likely) she'll continue to co-operate with India.

 

[sob]

We need to wean BD away from China and the loosen the Islamist grip on the country. It will pay dividends in the long run, but not at the cost of our relationship with Myanmar.

Myanmar incidentally might see some power play between the US and China and India contributing it's two bit.